A Jericho pub which looked destined for permanent closure is the second pub in Oxford to have been rescued to be reopened by Wiltshire brewer Arkells.
The Radcliffe Arms on Cranham Street which closed in July 2010, has been bought by Arkell’s from Scottish and Newcastle Pub Company. The new landlords will be Chris Manners and Leo Johnson who have been running the successful Rusty Bicycle in Magdalen Road, Oxford since Arkell’s bought old pub The Eagle to refurbish, rename and reopen it in 2009.
Brewery director George Arkell said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to buy and reopen this pub. It’s had an unhappy history since the local council sold it in 2009 but we want to repeat what we have done at the Rusty Bicycle and invest money and tender, loving care in the building before reopening to sell well-kept real ale and good food. Chris and Leo are the perfect men for the job.”
He added: “When we reopen the pub, we hope that local people will come in, enjoy themselves and put their pub back at the heart of the community.”
Manners and Johnson will continue to run the Rusty Bicycle alongside The Radcliffe Arms. Arkell’s took possession of the pub this week and will spend 6-8 weeks refurbishing and refitting the pub before reopening in April.
